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New Delhi, May 9: Pakistani Army violated Indian air space multiple times on the intervening night of May 7 and 8 and used around 300 to 400 drones to test air defence systems and collect intelligence, officials said on Friday.
Addressing a special joint briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and security forces here, Colonel Sofiya Qureshi and Wing Commander Yomika Singh said, “On the night of May 7 and 8, the Pakistani army violated Indian airspace several times over the entire western border with the intention of targeting military infrastructure but all their attempts were thwarted.”
They said, “Pakistani army also fired heavy caliber weapons along the Line of Control.”
“Around 300 to 400 drones were used to attempt infiltration at 36 locations. The Indian armed forces shot down many of these drones using kinetic and non-kinetic means. The possible purpose of such large-scale aerial intrusions was to test air defence systems and collect intelligence. Forensic investigation of the wreckage of the drones is being done,” they said, adding, “Initial reports suggest that Pakistan used Turkish Asisguard Songar drones.”
Colonel Qureshi and Wing Commander Singh said, “Pakistan’s irresponsible behaviour came to the fore again. Not only did they launch drones to intrude into Indian airspace, but also failed to close their domestic airspace, effectively using civilian airlines as shields.”
“The Indian Air Force (IAF) demonstrated strategic restraint, ensuring no civilian flight is hit that could endanger civilian lives. India, in contrast to Pakistan, immediately closed its airspace for civilian flights,” they added.
“Military installations, including the Bathinda Military Station, were among the intended targets, but quick action by Indian armed forces foiled the attempt. Reports also confirmed that Pakistan employed heavy artillery fire in the Kupwara and Tangdhar sectors of Jammu and Kashmir, violating ceasefire norms yet again,” they said. (KNO)